KETAMINE ASSISTED EMDR
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy is a science-informed, trauma-sensitive approach that can support deep healing by enhancing the brain’s ability to evaluate, update and resolve painful memories—without requiring a psychedelic experience.
KEY FEATURES
Client control
Clients remain conscious and in control during sessions.
Enhanced accessibility
Ketamine reduces fear and psychological defenses, making EMDR more effective.
gentle & Efficient
The process is designed to be gentle, time-efficient, and targeted for trauma resolution
Cost-Effective
The psycholytic model can be shorter and more affordable than full psychedelic sessions.
WHAT IS KETAMINE ASSISTED EMDR?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This therapy uses low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine, which clients self-administer with direction from our Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The dose is low enough to keep the client alert and engaged—unlike psychedelic or dissociative doses where people often “go inward” and can’t actively participate in therapy. Instead, the goal is to enhance emotional openness, reduce anxiety, and expand the window of tolerance - making it easier to work through difficult material in session.
It is important to note Ketamine is not provided, handled or administered by the licensed therapist. Our KA-EMDR therapist collaborates the client’s therapeutic care with our Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who manages and prescribes the medication.
WHY COMBINE KETAMINE WITH EMDR?
EMDR therapy supports the brain’s ability to reprocess traumatic or upsetting memories that may be “stuck” or unintegrated. These unresolved memories can contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, emotional dysregulation or negative self-concept. This process is believed to work by activating the brain’s natural information processing system, allowing traumatic memories to be integrated into broader, more adaptive memory networks.
Ketamine functions to add another layer of support. There is significant scientific evidence that ketamine enhances a brain process called memory reconsolidation—a natural mechanism that allows emotional memories to be evaluated and updated with new information. When combined with EMDR, ketamine may create a unique window of opportunity where the brain becomes especially open to positive change, allowing old fear-based or negative patterns to be transformed. Ketamine has also been shown to help clients feel more relaxed and emotionally open.
Studies have shown that ketamine:
● Disrupts the reconsolidation of fear-based memories, weakening their emotional impact.
● Enhances synaptic connectivity and neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier patterns.
● Reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part of the brain involved in rumination and self-critical thinking—promoting a more mindful and open state of awareness.